Locked-in syndrome

This morning we couldn't get out the front door - the 5-lever mortice
lock just wouldn't fully turn despite a lot of attempted wheedling.
Managed it by getting out another way and eventually engaging it from
the outside.
Is it just worn and should be replaced?
E.

Or the key is worn / it's a bad copy ...
Or the lock needs oiling, but wear sounds more likely. Likewise, I
assume it wasn't full of snow and ice?
You might get away with replacing just the levers, but you'd need to
have a look inside the lock to see what else is worn. It's not worth
taking a chance, as the cost of calling a locksmith out is far more than
the cost of a lock.

It's a good point. In our case we have another front door and french
windows both on a balcony, so we have a choice of exits. But I do
remember asking an insurance company why we should (double) lock all
exit windows and doors at night when the house is occupied as it is a
possible safety hazard - I'd rather be burgled than die in a fire.
I didn't get an answer.
E.

When you're in the house, you need to be able to unlock it quickly,
in the dark and smoke, without requiring keys.
When the house is empty, then it's good to have it locked such that
it can't be opened even from the inside without a key, but you don't
want to ever do this when the house is occupied.

--
Andrew Gabriel
[email address is not usable -- followup in the newsgroup]

Had a similar problem with a good quality lock at my daughters. The brass
bit that turns with the key was badly worn. I took the lock out and went to
the local locksmiths. He replaced the brass bit and lubricated and checked
the rest (levers etc.). He charged me £10. It is now no trouble at all.
Lawrence

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